How to Replace Window Panes

A cracked window pane can cause a lot of trouble. This could be an opportunity to upgrade to energy-efficient windows or insulated ones, and reap advantages like improved comfort, higher resale value and reduced utility costs.

You can do it yourself for a only a fraction of the cost it would cost to hire an expert. It requires the right tools and an hour or two of your time.

Glass

If your single pane windows are old, deteriorating or broken replacing them with more modern insulated or tempered glass can increase energy efficiency and reduce noise while preserving the historic integrity of older homes. A majority of homeowners with hand tools can replace a window pane. In addition to a replacement Glass for a window pane, the following items are needed such as latex glazing putty; Glazier's points; pliers and a heat gun for warming the old putty if required. Wear safety glasses and gloves before you begin. Working with broken glass could cause serious injuries.

Begin by removing any broken pieces of glass. This is best done using a pair of pliers, however, a flathead screwdriver can also be used in a pinch. Utilize a wood chisel or putty knives to remove any old putty that remains around the frame and the window sash. Be careful and slow, taking care not to break the current window sash. This is best done on an elevated ladder, not on the ground. Also, have someone lower to keep it in place.

Prepare the window frame to accommodate the new pane after you have removed the old glue. Measure the width and height of the opening in the sash, subtracting 1/8 inch from each measurement (to allow for seasonal expansion and contraction). These measurements can be sent to a hardware or home center store to get an item cut from glass that is in stock to the correct size. You can also cut the glass by yourself if you possess the appropriate tools.

After putting the new pane in place after installing the new pane, put a tiny amount of caulking along the edge to ensure it is weatherproof. Then install a glazier's point on the frame's opposite side to secure the pane in place. The points shouldn't be too tight that they cause friction between the frame and the sash however they should not be loose.

Before applying the putty, work it in a gentle manner until it is smooth and free of lumps. Then make it into pencil-sized strips. Apply the first strip to the frame's corner. Work from one corner to another to ensure it's even and smooth.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's points are small triangular metal pieces which help to secure the glass to the frame without causing damage to the delicate surface. It's easy to learn how to use this secret tool and you can save money on the cost of an expert installation.

After the old putty and glazier's points are removed Clean the frame thoroughly using a utility knife to remove any remaining traces. If necessary you can lightly sand the wood along the rabbet grooves to smooth out rough areas. If you decide to sand the wood, be sure to protect it with painter's tack to avoid accidental damage.

Measure the empty frame's dimensions and record precise measurements. Take these dimensions to a hardware store or home center and request that the new pane made slightly smaller than the frame's opening. This will ensure a snug fit, and allow for expansion and contraction.

Place the new pane into the frame and push it in using your hands. Then use the point of your chisel or back end of the putty knife to pierce the glazier's facets, as shown in Figure 11. The glazier's points should sit flush against the top edge of your pane, and the raised shoulders should be just below that lip.

Apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the edges of the new glass and into the rabbet grooves to seal and protect them. Allow it to dry completely and cure.

When the glazing compound is dry it's time to put in the new window sash. First, saturate the wood with a thick coat of linseed oil. This will keep the new putty from soaking up moisture and deteriorating and cracking over time. Apply the coating using a brush this coat, or the tip of the putty blade. Then use the chisel that is on the back of the tool or the back of the putty handle to gently smash the new sash or glazier's tip into the grooves of the rabbet. Repeat this process every 10 inches around the frame's perimeter.

Putty

A baseball hit or a rock thrown by error, or a tree falling can result in a cracked or cracked window. Most windows can be replaced by installing a new piece. The glass is held in place with a small metal clip called the glazier's pointed and putty, often called glazing compound. Before installing a replacement glass for window pane, first remove the old one and clean the area using a rag and the pull-type paint scraper or the wood chisel. Wear safety glasses and gloves while working. If the window is secured to the frame, you'll have to use a heat gun to soften the adhesive before prying it free.

If you are planning to replace the original sash, gently remove any molding pieces that secure the old pane. Then, sand the sash to ensure it's smooth and ready for new caulk. After the sash has been installed then, you can apply a silicone caulk over the glass. This will ensure that it won't be leaking or fade over time.

Take out the glazing points in the rabbets. These are the grooves on the sash, where the glass is located. If they're hard to chisel, use a hand tool such as a heatgun over them to allow them to soften before. If you're using a heated gun, be careful not to cause damage to the railings of the sash or the sash itself by using the tool too closely.

Create a bed for your new pane after removing the old glaze and putty. Roll a rope with glazing compound between your fingers and make it about 1/2 inch thick. Press it into the rabbets, where the glass will be put. The glass should rest against the putty on both sides. If needed you want to tap your glass lightly into the rabbet using your thumb.

If the new pane has a crack, you can cover it with a solvent-based glue or silicone caulk before pressing it into the sash. If the crack is not sealed, you will need to use putty to keep water out. Once the putty is dry clean the oily film off the glass and allow it to dry completely before painting. Paint before the putty has dried completely. It won't form a good seal and may leak or discolor with time.

Paint

If you've suffered a break in a window pane, you may be worried about the expense of replacing it. The truth is, replacing a single pane of glass doesn't need to be expensive when you do it on your own. In fact even windows with double panes can be replaced at less than the cost of a professional.

If you are working with large glass replacement windows panes first, ensure that it is securely attached to the frame. This task is relatively easy and fast with the proper tools and techniques.

When you are ready to begin, remove the old window pane. Remove the metal glazing points attached to it. These are basically small metal triangles that function as "nails" that keep the window in place in the wood frame. They are buried beneath a glaze putty or bead which hardens into a solid wedge that holds the wood frame firmly in position and hides the points.

After removing the old pane, clean the frame and the wood. Scrape off any old paint and sand the rabbet grooves that the glazing points were placed. Sand them down to clean wooden surfaces so you can paint the frames the same shade. After sanding the wood you can apply a layer flax oil. This will help prolong the life of the frame.

The next step is to determine the size of the window's opening. It is necessary to take vertical and horizontal measurements of the entire opening as well as the thickness of the old pane. To determine the exact size of the new pane subtract 1/8 inch from both measurements. This will also allow for expansion and contraction of the glass during seasonal changes. You can bring these measurements to a hardware or home improvement shop and have the glass cut for you.

Now, it's time to bed the new window pane. To do this, place the pane inside the frame and move it around until a 1/16 inch of putty remains between the edge of the glass and the sash on all four sides. Use a putty knife to smear the putty evenly, making sure that there isn't an excessive amount of excess putty in the corners and along the edges. When the putty dries, it can be painted with the same color as the frame to prevent water and air from leaking into the frame and causing fogging.